The Impact Of A Domestic Violence Charge
If you are facing charges of domestic violence, much more than jail time is at stake. Even the allegations can ruin your reputation. A conviction could lead to future problems with your job, trouble finding housing, losing your right to own a gun or even losing custody of your children. You need to take immediate action to protect yourself and your future.
At Usera & Snow, P.C., our attorneys are prepared to fight for your legal rights on day one. We aggressively advocate for our criminal defense clients throughout Marion County from our office in Salem. Both of our lawyers have over 15 years of legal experience and understand what is at stake for you in your case.
Understanding Your Charges
Under Oregon law, you could face both criminal and civil penalties for domestic assault, including a Family Abuse Protection Act (FAPA) restraining order. The law defines domestic violence as threats or acts of violence against:
- Family members by blood or marriage
- Spouses and former spouses
- Unmarried parents of a minor child
- People cohabitating or have been in a sexual or romantic relationship
The charges can range from misdemeanor assault, threats and harassment to felony assault at any level, depending on the situation. Aggravating factors can include the use of a weapon or carrying out the abuse in front of a minor child. A misdemeanor charge often carries up to one year in jail and fines of up to $6,250. Felonies range from five to 20 years in prison and fines range from $125,000 to $375,000.
Oregon’s Mandatory Arrest Law
Oregon law requires police to make an arrest on a domestic violence call if one party has an injury or makes an allegation that the other party threatened them with violence. If you find yourself in this situation, the police will arrest you no matter what happened leading up to that point. This can complicate matters immensely.
You may be tempted to explain your side of the story, but you are better off requesting an attorney. The police must make the arrest so there is no explaining your way out of it. Allow our team to do the talking for you. We will begin building your defense right away.
Don’t Take Chances With Your Future
We understand just how high the stakes are with these cases and how a conviction can affect you for years to come. Don’t take chances. Talk to one of our attorneys in a free consultation to find out how we can help. You can call us at 503-868-4822 or reach out to us online.